Breaking: NAPTIP Issues Wanted Notice for Speed Darlington Over Alleged Rape, Cyberbullying

Published on June 27, 2025

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has declared entertainer Darlington Okoye better known as Speed Darlington wanted over allegations of rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking, the agency announced via its official Instagram handle on Friday afternoon.

“WANTED BY NAPTIP. Darlington Okoye, aka Speed Darlington, is wanted in connection with alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.

“Anyone with credible information on his whereabouts is urged to contact NAPTIP immediately: Call 07030000203, [email protected].”

The wanted notice follows Speed Darlington’s failure to appear for questioning over a viral Instagram live video in which he claimed to have had sex with a 15-year-old girl remarks that sparked national outrage and prompted calls for investigation. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) reported the incident to NAPTIP, resulting in a formal summons dated May 28, 2025, issued by the agency’s Cybercrime Response Team, led by Ngamaraju Mangzha.

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In his response, Speed Darlington described the “confession” as a publicity stunt to promote new music. He apologised and requested to be rescheduled for questioning on June 26 an offer NAPTIP rejected as the matter was deemed of “urgent National importance.” The singer then failed to appear on both May 30 and June 2.

A NAPTIP official told Punch: “He has responded on two occasions…We will not work with his timing…No one is free in the eyes of the law.” The agency’s Chief Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, confirmed active collaboration with sister law enforcement bodies to prevent Darlington from evading accountability. The Director-General, Binta Bello, is closely monitoring the case, especially since it involves alleged exploitation of a minor.

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The controversy began on Children’s Day when Speed Darlington’s Instagram live claim about sleeping with a 15-year-old girl led to widespread condemnation. In a follow-up video, he defended the “joke,” stating: “I need controversy to eat,” and claimed it was “a prank”.

Legal experts caution that even joking about child sexual abuse is harmful and could constitute offences under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act and the Cybercrime Act of 2015, both cited in NAPTIP’s summons.

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